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Louisiana Purchase
The U.S. bought the Louisiana territory from France, doubling its size.
This opened vast land for settlement and made Westward Expansion much more likely. -
Lewis and Clark Expedition
Sent by President Jefferson to explore the new territory.
Their reports encouraged migration and showed the U.S. government's intent to claim and use western lands. -
Missouri Compromise
Allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state.
Revealed how expansion was already tied to national politics and the spread of slavery. -
Indian Removal Act
Passed under President Andrew Jackson, it authorized the forced relocation of Native tribes to lands west of the Mississippi.
This cleared the way for white settlers and showed the federal government's commitment to expansion -
Annexation of Texas
The U.S. added Texas after it broke away from Mexico.
This increased tensions with Mexico and pushed the border westward -
Mexican-American War
Fought over border disputes and resulted in the U.S. gaining the Southwest through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
The U.S. acquired California, Arizona, New Mexico, and more. -
California Gold Rush
After gold was discovered, thousands moved west to strike it rich.
This event sped up migration, settlement, and the push for California statehood.